Study: preterm birth stopped by flu shot

Women who received an H1N1 flu shot during the 2009 pandemic gave birth to heavier babies and
were less likely to have a premature baby, according to new research from Emory University and
Kaiser Permanente.

The researchers looked at the effectiveness of flu vaccine against problems including preterm
birth in more than 3,300 women. Vaccinated women were less likely to give birth early than
unvaccinated mothers.

Researchers say the findings confirm the importance of vaccinating against flu during pregnancy.
During the pandemic, pregnant women were disproportionately sickened and many had to be
hospitalized.